The installation of a Vortechs hydrodynamic separator.

Vortechs® Stormwater Treatment

Vortechs is a hydrodynamic separator that combines swirl concentration and flow controls into a shallow treatment unit that traps and retains trash, debris, sediment, and hydrocarbons from stormwater runoff. Vortechs removes sediment down to 50 microns and is the ideal solution for projects that require a shallow treatment device due to groundwater, utility or bedrock constraints.

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Stormwater Treatment For Shallow Applications

Vortechs is a below-ground, engineered stormwater treatment device that combines swirl concentration and flow controls into a single treatment unit. Vortechs is ideal for capturing and retaining trash, debris, sediment, and hydrocarbons from stormwater runoff. The Vortechs system’s large swirl concentrator and flow controls work together to create a low-energy environment, ideal for capturing and retaining particles down to 50 microns.

How Vortechs Treats Stormwater

  • Untreated stormwater enters the Vortechs swirl chamber through an inlet pipe.
  • The swirling motion of the water within the chamber promotes gravitational separation of solids which settle on the chamber floor.
  • Stormwater exits the swirl chamber, where a baffle wall traps floatables and hydrocarbons.
  • Stormwater flows under the baffle wall into the flow control chamber which contains separate flow controls for peaks and low-intensity flows that are designed specific to project requirements.
  • Treated stormwater flows to the outlet chamber and exits via the outlet pipe.

Vortechs Features and Benefits

FEATURES BENEFITS
Large swirl chamber Fine particle removal down to 50 microns
Shallow profile – Typical depth below pipe invert is only 3 feet.  Easy and cost-effective installation, especially on sites with high groundwater, bedrock or utility conflicts
Unobstructed access to stored pollutants Easy maintenance
Numerous regulatory approvals Proven performance

Select Vortechs Approvals

  • Washington Department of Ecology (GULD) - PretreatmentState of Washington TAPE GULD Pretreatment

 

Vortechs Configurations       

  • Inline
  • Offline
  • Cast-in-Place

Vortechs Maintenance

  • Vortechs provides unobstructed access to stored pollutants, making it easy to maintain.
  • Maintaining a Vortechs is a simple process that can be easily accomplished using a vacuum truck, with no requirement to enter the unit.
  • Contech has created a network of Certified Maintenance Providers to provide maintenance on stormwater BMP’s.

Technical information for this product is located in the technical guide’s section. 

View Technical Information
Vortech stormwater treatment combined with an underground CMP detention.
Pretreatment to Storage

Our hydrodynamic separators are frequently installed upstream of detention and infiltration systems as pretreatment devices.  By capturing the majority of sediment, hydrocarbons and trash and debris upstream of the storage system, maintenance becomes much easier as material is congregated into a smaller device with clear access for cleanout.  Additionally, by utilizing pretreatment upstream of infiltration systems, sediment that would have clogged the stone voids in the storage envelope surrounding the storage chamber can be captured before entering the storage system thus extending the longevity of the entire system.

Hydrodynamic Separation for Water Quality

Our hydrodynamic separation products (including the CDS, Cascade Separator, SciCloneX, Vortechs, and Stormceptor Systems) are reliable, easy to install, and offer high-performance, proven, stormwater pollutant removal. The systems are widely accepted for effective solids removal and can be designed to achieve your site treatment goals - including TMDL requirements for TSS and trash.

Trash collected from a CDS hydrodynamic separator.
Trash Removal

Keep trash and debris out of your lakes, streams and oceans by installing one of our technologies at the inlet or outlet of your drainage system.  Our systems - which include the CDS, Cascade Separator, SciCloneX, DSBB, Vortechs, and Stormceptor Systems are most effective on removing sediments, trash and debris, and oil and grease from storm water runoff.

Installation of two CDS water quality structures.
High Volume Applications

Designing, manufacturing and installing high-volume stormwater detention and treatment systems requires expert engineering, planning, and logistical support to manage costs and keep the project on schedule and under budget. When you need a proven, large scale stormwater management system, “Go Big” with Contech.

Pretreatment for Rainwater Harvesting

Our hydrodynamic separation products are ideal solutions for preatreatment to rainwater harvesting.  Not only do they improve the overall water quality, they also provide protect the pumps and controls from being overburdened with material that could clog and damage the mechanical system. 

The Contech Advantage


Agency/Regulatory Guidance

Our team is ready to provide you with expert advice and assistance on local regulatory requirements, resulting in faster approvals.

 

Solution Development

Our engineers can review your requirements, weigh all options, and recommend the optimal solution to integrate with your site designs.

Technical Expertise

Our engineers can assist by providing product specific engineering calculations such as hydraulics, buoyancy, foundation reactions, and unit sizing.

Cost Estimates

We can quickly provide engineer’s cost
estimates to assist with your solution
selection process.

Site Specific Drawings

Our engineers can provide site-specific drawings for proposals, project meetings, and submittals, helping you be more efficient with your time.

On-site Assistance

Contractors know time is money, so we provide preconstruction meetings, delivery coordination, and on-site installation support to ensure a timely, smooth installation.